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"How much do I give?" is the question we hear most from horse owners, and it's a fair one — a horse is ten times the size of a big dog, so dog charts don't translate. The good news is we have real equine numbers to work from, because our own Tarleton State University study dosed horses by body weight and compared two levels head to head. Here's how to turn that into a sensible amount for your horse.
The weight-based starting range
Hemp oil for horses is dosed by body weight, in milligrams of CBD (hemp extract) per kilogram. The Tarleton research compared 0.3 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg. The higher amount produced higher blood levels and, after a single dose, a larger reduction in stereotypic stall behaviors such as cribbing and pawing. That gives you a well-grounded working range to start from:
| Horse body weight | Gentle start (0.3 mg/kg) | Higher support (0.6 mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 800 lb (~363 kg) | ~110 mg | ~220 mg |
| 1,000 lb (~454 kg) | ~135 mg | ~270 mg |
| 1,200 lb (~544 kg) | ~165 mg | ~325 mg |
| 1,400 lb (~635 kg) | ~190 mg | ~380 mg |
These are starting points for general calm and wellness support, not a prescription for any condition. Every horse is an individual — begin at the gentle end and adjust with your vet based on how your horse responds.
How to convert milligrams into your bottle
Every hemp oil states its total milligrams and its milligrams per milliliter (or per dropper) on the label — that's the number you need. To find your serving: divide your target milligrams by the product's milligrams-per-milliliter to get how many milliliters (or droppers) to give. For example, with our 5000 mg equine oil, check the mg-per-mL on the label and measure to your target. Always dose from the label's real concentration rather than guessing — strengths vary a lot between products.
How to give it
Full-spectrum hemp oil is easiest to give mixed into a small amount of grain or a favorite feed, which also masks the herbal taste. It can also be syringed directly into the mouth. Timing matters more than a daily routine: the research supports a single serving 2–4 hours before a known stressor like travel, a show or stall rest. Tarleton's data also showed CBD did not build up across days of daily dosing, so there is no loading period to wait out. Our trailering and travel-stress guide walks through event timing in detail.
When to talk to your veterinarian
Loop in your vet before you start, especially if your horse is older, pregnant, on other medications, or competes. Hemp extract can affect how the liver processes some drugs, and competition bodies like USEF and FEI treat cannabinoids as a gray area — our is CBD safe for horses guide covers both. If your horse is on bute, Equioxx, Adequan or UlcerGard or GastroGard, our guide to each drug covers what to ask your vet before adding hemp. Your vet can also help you read a Certificate of Analysis so you know the milligrams on the label are real.
Organically grown, full-spectrum hemp oil in an olive-oil base — the same formula studied at Tarleton State. Third-party tested, grown on our Colorado farm.
$199 · 5000mg
Shop Hemp for Horses →Sources & further reading: the AAEP on oral CBD pharmacokinetics in horses, and an American Journal of Veterinary Research study on chronic CBD dosing safety in horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much CBD for a 1,000 lb horse?
Working from the Tarleton study's 0.3–0.6 mg/kg range, a 1,000 lb (about 454 kg) horse lands around 135 mg on the gentle end and up to about 270 mg for higher support. Start at the low end and confirm with your veterinarian.
How do I convert milligrams to drops or milliliters?
Use your product's label. Divide your target milligrams by the oil's milligrams-per-milliliter to get how many milliliters (or droppers) to give. Concentrations vary between products, so always dose from the actual label.
How often should I give it?
For a specific stressful event, give a single serving about 2–4 hours ahead, since the study found levels peaked around four hours. That is the approach behind the behavior findings; in a five-day daily-dosing trial, behavior did not differ from the control oil. Some owners still give a daily serving for general wellness, which is worth discussing with your vet.
Can I give my horse too much?
Hemp oil is generally well tolerated, and in the study there were no long-lasting effects at either amount, with the oil clearing within 24 hours. Still, start low, increase gradually, and involve your veterinarian rather than jumping to a high amount.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your horse's routine.
